The Amazing And True Story Of Hachiko The Dog

by Maria Last updated on June 13, 2017 174 comments

Have you ever heard of Hachiko the dog? No? Neither had I until a few months ago, but if you ever go to Japan then odds are you will hear about him.

Hachiko is a national hero to the Japanese! A dog so famous there have been several movies made about him. He has his own statue next to Shibuya Train Station in Tokyo, where every day hundreds of people have their photograph taken with him.

Even Hollywood has made a movie about Hachiko!

So why is the Hachiko story so famous you may wonder?

Well I am happy you asked, because here I will give you the amazing, real and very sad story about Hachiko the dog.

Once Upon A Time There Was A Dog Named Hachiko

Eizaburo Ueno, professor in agriculture science at Tokyo University, had long wanted a pure bred Japanese Akita dog. He had looked for the perfect Akita puppy for a long time, until one of this students encouraged him to adopt Hachiko, from the Odate city in Akita prefecture.

Hachiko, or Hachi which became his nickname, and his new owner soon became best friends, and Eizaburo loved his dog above all and treated him as his son. The two of them were inseparable.

Hachiko and his best friend and owner EizaburoHachiko_owner2

Hachiko with his owner`s wifeHachiko_owner

As Hachiko grew older, he started to see his owner off to work in the morning at the Shibuya Train Station, in central Tokyo and went to pick him up at the station in the afternoon when he returned from work.

On May 21, 1925, only two years after Hachiko was born, Hachiko was as usually sitting by the exit at Shibuya train station waiting for his dear Eizaburo. But his owner never showed up…..

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Hachiko_trainstation

It turned out that Eizaburo had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and died suddenly and unexpectedly while at work.

Hachiko moved in with a former gardener of the Ueno family, but throughout the rest of his ten-year long life he kept going to the Shibuya Train Station every morning and afternoon precisely when the train was due to enter the station, waiting in vain for the return of his beloved owner which sadly never came back.

Hachiko

Hachiko_waiting_trainstation

A major Japanese newspaper reporter picked up the story of Hachiko in 1932 and published it, which led to Hachiko becoming a celebrity all over Japan.

People started calling him “Chuken-Hachiko”, which means “Hachiko – the faithful dog”.

The story of the dog that never gave up gained a lot of attention also in national media, inspiring many people from all over the world to visit Hachiko at Shibuya Train Station to offer him treats.

Hachiko in the Japanese newspaperHachiko_newspaper1

Pictures of Hachiko in the newspaperHachiko_newspaper2

Hachiko Dog Statue

In 1934 a statue of Hachiko was unveiled at a grand ceremony in front of Shibuya train station with Hachiko himself present as the main guest.

Haichiko in front of his statueHachiko_statue

Hachiko_statue2

Hachiko passed away peacefully and alone on the street near Shibuya train station on March 8, 1935.

Hachiko is now on display at the National Science Museum in Ueno, Tokyo.

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There is also a monument of Hachiko next to his owner `s tomb in Aoyama cemetery in Tokyo:

Today the Hachiko bronze statue is a popular attraction outside of Shibuya train station, especially among young Japanese.

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There has actually been made two Hachiko bronze statues. The first one was removed during the World War II and melted as a source of metal.

Also on the wall of the Shibuya train station there is a huge beautiful mosaic art work of Hachiko:

Japanese Love Dogs

The Japanese love dogs! ♥ All over Japan we met a lot of cute and beloved dogs, here are a few that we met:

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We even met a Siberian Husky in Tokyo, which melted my heart and made me really miss my own sweetie “Varga” who is at home in Norway. She just turned 15 years old!

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My dog Varga_DSC5076

As a dog lover, the story of Hachiko really moved me. It is good to see that even today Hachiko’s statue remains a symbol of this dog’s extreme loyalty and a reminder of the lengths one can go to stay devoted to a friend.

Dogs really are man´s best friend! Don`t you agree? ♥

Hachi The Movie

In 1987 it was made a movie in Japan about Hachiko, called “Hatchiko Monogatari”. You can watch the trailer for the original Japanese movie here:

In 2009 Hollywood made an American version of this movie, called “Hachiko – A Dog`s Tale“. If you have not seen the movie “Hachi – A dog`s Tale”, you should definitely check it out (be prepared to cry a lot……):

You can watch the trailer here:

There are several great books written about Hachiko and his story. I especially like the first of these books called “Hachiko” which include nice drawings and illustrations (press each picture and you will be redirected to Amazon):

Awww, and I L-O-V-E these Hachiko Akita teddies:

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Hoover over the image below to pin

Have you heard the story of Hachiko before? Have you seen the film? Did you cry as much as me watching the film? 🙂 Please leave a comment in the comment area below. If you liked this post and found it useful, please share on social media. Thank you! 🙂

Where To Stay In Tokyo

Budget

MyCube by MyStays
If you're travelling solo on a budget or would simply like to try one of the famous and unique cube/pod hotels of Tokyo then this is a great choice. It is a brand new hotel and quite spacious for a pod hotel. Every pod has lockable baggage storage and free Wi-Fi. The underground station is located right next door and there are plenty of places to eat in the neighbourhood.

Mid Range

Hotel MyStays Asakusabashi
We stayed at Hotel MyStays in Asakusabashi and really liked the hotel! It is brand new, and the rooms are actually decent sized compared to the average hotel in Japan (if you choose a twin bed room, then you get a bigger room). The neighbourhood is great, with lots of restaurants and cafes, and a short walk to the underground station Asakusabashi. It was the cheapest and best hotel we could find in Tokyo.

Top Range

Made famous by the movie ‘Lost in Translation’, The Park Hyatt is one of Tokyo's most luxurious hotels. The hotels 178 rooms are among Tokyo's most spacious and elegant and provides all modern comforts. The hotel's service is legendary and if you want to walk in Bill Murrays and Scarlet Johanson’s footsteps then the hotel even offers a ‘Lost in Translation’ package. The hotel has several high-class restaurants and located on the top floor with stunning views over the city is the world famous New York Bar Grill, where Bill Murray’s character enjoyed his many whiskeys.

Travel Guides

We used the Lonely Planet`s Japan travel guide on our trip. You can get that and other great books by clicking on the pictures below:

Disclosure: Some of the above links are affiliate links, and we will earn a percentage of the sale if you purchase through them at absolutely no extra cost to you! This helps us keep our site going, so thank you for your support!

Maria is a Norwegian travel nerd, who has explored more than thirty countries on four continents. She holds a masters degree in Computer Science, as well as an MBA. See our about page for more about Maria.

Missouri has two dogs that are most famous. The first dog is Jim the Wonder dog, and the second is about a trial in the 19the century. That trial is called The Old Drum Trial. Read the summation the lawyer gave to the dog. Jim the Wonder Dog is the most amazing story you quite likely will ever read. The dog was truly uncanny.

I also cried like a big baby. What I keep asking myself though is why the wife did not keep the dog. She just left him on the street to die alone and let other people take care of this amazing dog. I did not like that part of this sad story. I think the family could have done more for this beautiful faithful dog. But I understand we live in different cultures. I also saw that the dog did not want to stay with the daughter but I still think the family did not try hard enough, they gave up too easy. If this had happened in this country (America) that dog would have been adopted and nursed back to health in a heartbeat. You can win a dog’s heart if you really try. Thank you for the great article.

Very nice article and photos. I have this movie in my DVR and cry every time I see it. I even cried when I read the article to my husband! (My glasses are tear stained just from watching the clip from the movie!) I found it difficult to understand the wife’s reaction to and treatment of Hachi. She wasn’t portrayed as a very dog friendly person. A dog’s love and loyalty are truly unconditional and Hachi’s story is perhaps the perfect example of that.

The movie is great and so emotional! I still cry every time I see it. 🙂 The movie is, however, not a documentary so Hollywood have probably made some small changes to the story and not pictured the persons exactly right. I agree, Hachi is the perfect example of the pure heart and love that dogs have towards humans and their owners.

Thanks for commenting!

-Maria-

beenolas
on November 23, 2017 at 06:41

I know what you mean, and I thought so too. But then it occurred to me that Hatchi was so inconsolable that no other human, no matter how kind or loving, would penetrate the grieving he was going through. He didn’t want to be in another home. He likely simply tolerated the attention he received. He lived only to see his master once again…like both movies depicted so agonizingly—and beautifully— well in their last scenes. No story in recent years has affected me like Hachiko’s. I can’t stop thinking about it. I play the Gere film’s sound track and cuddle a pet hamster I’ve named Hatchi in his honor! (not quite an Akita I know, but the hamster does follow my hand to climb into it and curl up to sleep.

This movie was so sweet and so sad.I got so choked up and cry baby that I actually had to take a XANAX to calm down and I am still teared up.
UNIVERSALLY we should all have this kind of love for each other.

Great movie, and heart warming. I wonder how long it took Richard Gere and the Akita to bond enough to make that movie? The dog was obviously devoted to him. And if I were him I would’ve requested to keep the dog. What do you think?

Wow that dog (Hachiko) was the mostly sweetest dog I ever saw. He was
the best friend to the owner. He was so beautiful dog and very spirit , he made my life so inspiring. He was very very smart pet, so faithfully dog.
I cried when it happened about him waiting for his owner for almost 10
years. He now is in rainbow bridge now with God. amen. One day we all
will meet him up there in heaven with my sweet wolfina (husky/golden retriever), she was so beautiful pet, we were so happy have her in our lives. I miss my wolfina so much she was15 years old now in rainbow bridge with all the animals with God. I love all the animals that God created.

I think I learned about this in school! It’s a nice story, but it makes me feel sad for the dog. 🙁

Also, I like how the Richard Gere version of the movie apparently just made everyone American. I mean, American remakes usually do that, but it seems a bit more ridiculous when you’re talking about something that actually happened!

Yep, Hollywood do that a lot, “copy” foreign movies and make their own very American version. In this case it feels a bit strange, I agree, when it is in fact a true story that happened in Japan. But I guess they had to do it to get Americans to see it. 🙂

Yeah I cried so much watching both the Japanese and the American film. Every year on April 8 there is a memorial ceremony for Hachiko in Shibuya, by the statue. I have been there twice and its a beautiful ceremony with lots of flowers and speeches. This year 2015 its going to be the 80th annual ceremony. Its 80 years ago since Hachiko died. Beautiful story of an amazing dog.

I’ve just watched the movie Hachiko: A true dog story! Was moved and that is where I started to do all these researches in the internet and found this website! Anyway, it was great to see how people in Japan loves dog and above all, this undying love is what we all need!

Hello I love your stuff and how much you feel about the story. It is one of the best if not the best describing the story of Hichiko. Our Wiki has a photo and nothing else except links so if you don’t mind me suggesting it why don’t you write and submit his story? By our Wiki I mean the UK one. Anyhow this site is really good and your stuff is well written and interesting. Well done honey. I mean it keep up the great work. My site is very out of date and I’m doing a new one just having a bit of trouble over the design at the moment. I have just finished my first book called a Tale of One City and I was offered a couple of publishers contracts appallingly bad one wanting money well 4 wanting money and one offering me a tiny percentage. I’m writing my first blog too, even though I’ve just turned half a century Right Maria you jolly well keep up the GREAT WORK!!

Great to hear that you are about to launch your new website, exciting! Good luck with your design issues, I`m sure you will work it out.

Wow, congrats on finishing your first book! That is awesome! I am planning to write a book too. It seems like a lot of work though so have to find some time to fully focus on it. It is so cool that you have started blogging! Everyone can blog, no matter what age. Good luck with all your projects!

Although it seemed that Hachiko waited in vain for his owner, it was explained to me that this was not the case. The dog knew that his owner had passed and going to the train station was the closest thing he could do to be close to his owner and to remember his owner.

It`s a bit difficult to know what Hachiko or any dog is thinking, but yes it might be that he went to the train station to remember his beloved owner. We used to have two Siberian Husky dogs, called Varga and Tiksi. When the old one Tiksi died, Varga kept looking for her best friend for a long time. I felt so sorry for her.

This is comforting to know that Hachiko was made aware of his owner’s passing. I wonder why the family did not lead the dog to the cemetery where his owner was buried. But then again, it may be Japanese’s custom not allowing such visit, I suppose.

It was only a short video of the real owner’s story but it touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
I’d love to see the movie , be it in Japanese or English – there is no language barrier when it comes to dog stories. Loyalty and committed love are qualities only a dog can show what it really means.

I have three dogs now who are my life. My mother was a dog lover and she and my father had dogs, strays and good breeds, from the first year of their marriage. She was a chronic asthmatic and contrary to what most people believe was a great comfort to her in her difficult moments. My father would be outstation on work quite often, but our dogs kept her company and sat at her feet – some even died of old age at her feet. Their love for dogs has passed on to their children – today I have three of my own, and so also do my brothers and sisters.

A: Hachiko statue – Depot Square.
This is the location of “Bedridge Train Station” where Hachi is shown waiting for Parker

B: Train tracks – Railroad Street.
This rail line is known as the Slatersville Secondary.
On right: Train track that Hachi runs on after runnning away from Andy’s house
On left : Where Parker and Hachi walk together, and at the end of the movie, Ron and his puppy walk together

C: Stationary train cars (under which Hachi sleeps) – Railroad Street.
The stationary train cars were on the siding that curves to the left. Note the “DOM POLSKI” building in the
distance. It is seen in the movie when Hachi first arrives at this location

D: Andy and Michael’s home, and road where Hachi runs away – corner of Oakley and Glen Road
Hachi stays in Andy’s house (opposite) for a short while and then runs away on Glen Road towards Spring St.

E: Railway Bridge under which Hachi walks – corner of Blackstone and Arnold Street
Hachi rests under this bridge, walks up to the fork in the tracks and takes the line that goes straight.
This is part of the Slatersville Secondary line. The line ends a few hundred feet behind you

F: Street where Hachi is shown walking – Arnold Street
When Hachi is on his own, he is shown walking here on his way to the butcher shop

G: Milton and Myra’s butcher shop – Arnold Street
Seen multiple times in the movie

H: Downtown (where Parker walks taking puppy home; also where 10+ year old Hachi is first seen) – Main Street
Corner of Main and Arnold : Seen multiple times in the movie
In front of New York Lunch: Where the old Hachi is shown walking slowly

Hi Maria, like everyone else LOVED this movie. But I love dogs. It is so true that the more you spend time with you dog the closer you bond. I was surprised to know that Harchi’s owner only had 2 years with him. That was sad in itself, but knowing what Harchi was in his loyalty bringing him up from a pup would have been the best 2 years of the owners life. Seeing the nature of Harchi and his devotion it’s no wonder the outpouring of sadness is felt. I personally hope some day to visit Japan and visit this site where Harchi waited. Keep up your great work … Cheers and Thanks.

I was surprised too that Hachiko only had two years with his owner, and that he waited at the train station in Tokyo for his owner to return for eight years! But I read somewhere that one year for us humans is like seven years for a dog, so then he got around fourteen years with his owner. I have had fifteen years with my dog from she was 5 weeks old and up until now being 15, and even that feels like too little! 🙂 Hope she will be around for a few more years, she is still of very good health hiking with me in the mountains almost every day.

You should definitely visit Japan, it is a great country with fascinating culture!

I loved Hachiko very much, it is such a heart warming story. I cried so much at the end, not just because Hachi died, it’s his cuteness and loyalty… And also because my dog… His name is Kaiser and he is a cross bred American- Japanese Akita. Coincidence I think not, but my dog displays the royalty that Hachi displays as he waits at the door for my brother to come home at exactly 10:00 pm.

Kaiser sounds like such a sweet and loving dog! I can totally get that you cried a lot in the end of the movie, I did too. The bond between humans and dogs are special – dog really is man`s best friend.

I find it upsetting that the Chinese know this story too… Yet kill 15,000 dogs in a week of massacre every year… I’m 11 years old and i couldn’t handle the end of the film like any others, but the dog meat festival makes me want to go to china armed with crowbars and kill who ever harmed a dog in their life ;-;

I also watched Richard’s movie “Hachiko” cried a lot. That time I have my companion (Tibetan Mastiff – Rambo).
Really heart melting story of a loyal and love. Thanks for such a beautiful article too.
Suggest you all to also see “Marley and Me and “The Old Yeler”. Although they are fiction but a good movie for Dog Lovers.

I had watched it. Although its been a while since I watched, the film is still fresh in my mind… I remember how much tears I shed… not to mention puffy eyes and nose. I don’t own any dog but I can strongly felt Hachi’s love towards his master. Even a dog can show such incredible act…. How about us? We are all blind by money and fame, we often forgot the most simple yet important values in life which we cannot value with money. Love, friendship, loyalty and faithfulness. May Hachiko’s story keeps inspire people around the world. May Hachiko forever take good rebirths without any sufferings. May the story of Hachiko always remind us to show humanity to all living creature.

Just watched the film and I have never sobbed so much! Dogs are so amazing, a gift from God, it’s our job to care for them as they give so much without question. We have had several dogs, our last, Molly, looked after me like a nurse, I had a stroke and she knew when I needed a loving lick. When she died, it was so hard, they give total loyalty whatever mood you’re in. Thankyou for your site, it was so nice to know the true story of Hachi.

I watched this film for the first time yesterday on TV. I had no idea it was a true story until the end, and I then looked at all the information about Hachi this unbelievably faithful dog.
Couldn’t hold back the tears as hard as I tried, such a moving story, and one I will never forget.
I am not sure I can watch again yet as I was in bits, having had many dogs over the years, and a dog’s unconditional love is shown once again in this film.

OMG!! I just finished watching this movie for the first time and it was absolutely WONDERFUL!!! I cried a number of times!! It’s impossible not to cry!! If humans felt and shared love this deeply, what a wonderful world this would be. This movie is great!! Do yourself a favor and WATCH THIS MOVIE!! ~ Kathy

Like most of the other commentators, I cried during the Richard Gere movie which I saw on TV. I did not know it was a true story until the end of the movie. Because it was such a heart-rending story, I wanted to find out more about Hachi and googled his name and found this web site. Thank you, Maria, for telling us the true story behind Hollywood’s equally heart-rending version. I have always been a cat person, but am now considering giving up my Siamese for an American Akita, who, perhaps will be capable of God’s kind of unconditional love.

I was told to watch this film after sending my puppy to training, one of the owners said my cross puppy german shepherd had a bit of Akita in her and to watch the film. Wow, I thought it was amazing, very sad and I cried a lot. But Sky my puppy who is 7 months now is so intelligent and loving and come second in a competition against all the other pedigree puppies as she is so clever!! Love all animals and loved this thread!!

Hatchi , ur one really great dog which i never see in my dog like u , i really crying on that movement when i saw movie. We all luv u hatchi , i want u back as it is…….. Really no words literally i cry buddy. Salute u

We had an akita growing up as a family pet so I can relate to this film. I must say it is an excellent portrayal of the independent yet devoted character of the akita.
I was 7 when my mum bought him for me one Christmas and I was 20 when he died. my mum would walk him to school with us when we were younger, one day when he escaped my mum found him at the school gate waiting for me to finish.
I am more than middle aged now and even though I have owned other dogs (not akita’s) and loved them all, none have come close to to demonstrating the loyalty, devotion and respect he did.

Awww, your Akita dog seems to have been really sweet and loyalty! You must miss her. I have never owned an Akita dog, but they seem to be very devoted and attached to their owners. 13 year is a lot for a big dog like the Akita, you must have given him a good life then. My Siberian husky dog is 16, she still goes skiing with me. I love her so much.

Thank you so much, Aimee, for commenting and sharing your great story about your Akita dog!

That’s amazing story ! About Love and Faithfullness, I haven’t yet see the movie of Hachiko, but I was crying a lot when I read the text story from you. As old man like me, I am 58 years old of age, is not easy for me to cry, but infact I was crying during reading the story. I am touched with Hachiko faitfullness as long as 10 years to wait his owner comeback ! Also I cry Maybe because I remember that in the past my Family, we have also a Dog and she was very friendly to us, we love her verymuch. Thanks a lot !

I agree, the story about Hachiko is such an amazing story, and that it`s true makes it, even more, sweet and heartbreaking. Your family dog seems to have been the perfect dog and best friend. I have good memories too of the dogs that have been a part of my life over the years. I was born into a dog-loving-family and have had dogs all my life. Can`t imagine a life without a dog.

I just watched the movie, I can’t get it out of my mind. I guess what bothers me is that the dog knew his owner for 2 short years as a young dog, then lived with the owner’s Gardner for 10 years. Why didn’t the Gardner who cared for him gain his love and affection like the first owner of 2 years? or did he, and maybe we don’t know the whole story. I know a dog can be owned and loved by more than one person. I feel bad for the dog, because I can’t help but think that no one else could show him the Love the first owner showed him. So that he mourned the rest of his life.

Have just watched this film this evening with my family. A man of 55, I found myself fighting back the tears being reminded of my own dog and his loyalty to me. I once heard dogs described as angels in disguise – from my experience they are that and so much more. I couldn’t imagine living without a dog – people on the other hand!

I think everyone is fighting back the tears when watching this movie, no matter what age. I sure did!

Our dog Varga died last week, at 16 years of age, and it was just heartbreaking. I miss her a lot! It is the first time in my life without having a dog, and I can tell you, life is not as fun without a dog. 🙁

Ow Hauglann, I really love your website. I dont own a dog, but the story of Hachi made me realize that God has amazing ways in teaching us how to love unconditionally, unselfishly and faithfully. I was devastated by the dog’s fate… I mean, death is everyone’s prospect. But it’s unfair for Hachi. So attached to his owner, that Hachi should have died too on that same day, than living a life worse than death, waiting for someone who would never return.

We are studying about Amazing Animals for our reading theme. It is fitting that since we live in Tokyo. that we learn about the true story of Hachiko. Many of my students have been to the Shibuya eki and have seen this statue. He is loved by all my boys whom teach at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo. Thank you for sharing your article with us.

Wow, so cool that you are studying and learning about amazing animals! Hachiko is one of the most amazing animals I have ever heard of. I got really touched by the story about Hachiko and his dedication once I heard it while visiting Tokyo.

Thanks a lot for commenting! Good luck with you amazing animals project at St. Mary`s International School!

Really a cried a lot. This movie reminds me my pet pinky who is no more. It makes me feel like dogs are the most faithful towards their loved ones. He is been a best companion for the professor. I wanna make pet like this. 🙁 . Thanks for the article though. It explains the true story of hachi !!!

I’ve watched this film 4 times now and I love hatchi so much what a loyal faithful dog he’s amazing I cry alot watching this it gets me every time , wanting to no the background so came to this page and learnt a lot from it thank you hatchi we love u

I wanted to know more about Hachiko and came across this blog post. Very informative! I hope to visit Shibuya station and feel the warmth of Hachi’s love for his master. I have three dogs and I shed a lot of tears watching the movie inspired by Hachiko.

My name is Achi, I never like my name since young. Now I’m proud of having this name after watching this wonderful movie about the faithful dog Hachi. I have a dog which I found him trying to cross the busy road few years ago. He is born deformed, obviously he has been abandoned,I took him home with me, I love him so…so… much. My dream now is to visit Shibuya one day to a photo with Hachi.

story of hachiko is unforgettable and unbelievable. no where in the world we can see this much love ,the above description about the story is also very useful for me because i am going to take a paper presentation about hachiko in Mba class .thank you….

Just watched the movie about Hachiko with my husband. A very sweet story and both cried our eyes out. Once the bond between dog and master is truly made, it is for life and beyind, I’m sure. What a wonderful story….

I just watched the Hollywood version of the movie last night. It was so touching and reminded me of why I love dogs so much. They are the best. There is also a legendary story of the Korean Jindo’s unending loyalty. I wonder if that has been turned into a movie too.

I watched the film last night and I have never cried so much. I have a small dog named chicken who was also abandoned and I gave her an extra hug last night before going to bed. I truly believe that a dog is a person’s most loyal friend who loves you even with all our faults. Evie

Saw the american movie and if it were fact, the dog would have been picked up by a dog catcher and put in the pound…and the daughter did the wrong thing by the dog letting it roam around…no vet care, would have had ticks and disease. if you were the professor would you have wanted that to happen to your dog? of course not.
as for the “true story”, it sounds like a media beat up anyway…dont believe it…

I am a native Japanese speaker, and I would like to point out that his real name was “Hachi” and “Hachiokh” (it is a long o) is his nickname. “koh” is similar to the German “chen”. I also would like to add that my maternal grandparents actually saw him at the Shibuya Station:-)

A great story about a loyal, fathful dog. I watched the movie with Richard Gere and loved it and yes I cried but it reminded me of my Star. Star a black lab, born in 2005 and came to live with me in 2009. Belonged to my neighbor but always wanted to be with me. Given to me in May 2009. Past away in 2013 from cancer and I still talk to her every day. I still put flowers on her grave at least once a month.

I watched the movie earlier today, then stumbled on your blog because I wanted to read more about this story – great tribute to Hachiko you have here! I admit I was sobbing my eyes out before the movie was even finished, and prayed Hachiko’s long wait was finally over and he was reunited with his human in heaven, if there is such a place.

I saw this movie (American version) a few years ago in the USA and was touched
very much by it, especially by the second half of the movie , but I must admit after a few weeks it fades away.
Now back in 2016 – my daughter has 1 year old puppy that I love very much too.
Now I realise and feel even more the love of a dog for a human being and on the other hand how that puppy deserves our love as well. It’s like with your children : you have to take good care of them. He/she depend on you ! It was unbelieveble what Hachiko did ! To morrow ( dec. 14 ) this film will be on Dutch tv again and I already feel a little bit sad thinking about how this story will end.
A few years ago I actually was in Tokyo , unfortunately I did not know about the train station being situated in Tokyo. I would have visited it, for sure.

Thank you so much for commenting! I agree, having a dog makes you feel a great love for animals and dogs in particular. Your daughter`s puppy sounds like a sweet dog, I bet the puppy is very cute. Great to hear that Hachiko the movie was shown on Dutch TV, love that movie!

Too bad that you missed the Shibuya train station with the bronze statue of Hachiko, but then you have a reason to go back to Tokyo.

I have just watched the film Hachi – A Dogs Tale and was very upset being as it is a true story. I hope to visit the statue one day. It is heart wrenching to witness the love and devotion between a dog and his master.

I just watched the movie an it stole my heart , i cried! I did some research an read the story an seen some pictures an again it broke my heart. This story will always be with me, rest in peace faithfull one?

Like all people who love dogs so much this story just shows how faithful and loyal a dog can be to the one they love. The story did touch my heart and made me cry, I had a wonderful dog for 14 years named Kae’o who was an American Bulldog. I watched him be born, he was my shadow and companion throughout his life. We shared special moments together right up to the day he left me which still breaks my heart.

Loved the movie……….sobbed uncontrollably. The only thing I would have changed in the movie is that when Hachi’s master died, I believe he should have been taken to the cemetery so that he knew what happened to his master.

Richard Gere must have spent a long time wirh the dog that played Hatchie’s part. They had to have bonded for that dog to be so devoted to him. If I were Richard, after the filming was done, I think I would’ve requested to keep the dog. What do you think?

I remember when this movie came out….I knew I was going to be in trouble and I was. I watched it and could not ever watch it again…..I cried so much. Dogs will always give us unconditional love….There are spiritual forces that go beyond even that and Hachi was one of those. I have seen stories where dogs will go to the grave of their owner till the day they die.(12 yrs) These are those exceptional animals where the bond can never be broke….They break our hearts but I wouldn’t have it any other way…..My first real love of a dog was Sonja(doberman). Sh’s been gone 30 yrs and she still breaks this heart with tears

The enduring spirit of the canine bond is one of mystery and a
sobering thought of just what real enduring love, loyalty, and
above all else the unconditional love of that unseen bond that
defies explanation. I have been fortunate to have experienced
this from my dog that I grew up with when I was just a kid.
I look back at the unbreakable bond that we still have, although
it is a spiritual one know that he is gone since 1980. I know of
nothing else to compare it to. A great movie, wish there were more
movies with this theme. See you later Skipper, I miss you.

I think that what hurts the most is the fact that, in vain, he awaited 9 years for someone who wasn’t coming back. But the thought that the Dr. will never know that his best friend spent his whole life waiting for him… And Hachiko had died doing what he wanted to do… And carrying a broken heart along with it. True stories KILL ME!!! >:'(

I hated the people in this dog’s life. To just leave him alone to live in a train station while they moved away and forgot about him. Such a horrible thing to do to an animal and I hope their life was as horrible as that poor animal’s life turned out to be. No compassion for that dog at all. I hate them all, I really hate them.

One of the best movies I have ever seen …and yes the tears kept coming (even more the second time I watched the movie). It was so painful to see Hachi desperately wait for Parker to return …but also uplifting to see the enduring friendship between Hachi and Parker. The ending eased the pain just a bit when Hachi died and was once again reunited with Parker.

Hi, I saw the movie today and cried so much I dont think I ever done before. It was so sad thinking about him waiting for his owner that never returned year after year. How heartbroken the dog must have been. Missing his best friend!! His an amazing dog!!

Oh my gosh this movie was on TV last night. This was the first time for me ever hearing about the story and it was amazing and also very sad! I think I cried a little too much. Animals show so much unconditional love ♥

yes, I knew about Hachi’s story and watch the film as well.. Of course, I cry during reading this story again and again. I think I will not comment anything
but finally write it down to share how do I feel? Basically, dog is the animal I feed them when I was young. I have 12 dogs and love to feed them for a couple on each time. Most of them are “chow chow”

I just watched this movie and my love for life was warmed. I have 4 dogs, all of them rescued, that is, accepted into our home with open arms. They are all delightful and emotional and give me reason to believe that Love is sent to us by God in all sorts of ways. I mention God because my dogs have regenerated my HEART, shown me how to see the spiritual goodness still available in a sometimes ugly world. Lunar, Lumi, Lubacha, and Jackson are my FRIENDS, and I love them. I show them in every way I can imagine how much their friendship means to me, and they do the same thing. I feel like this bond is ETERNAL, and watching the ending of the movie about Hachi helped me recognize the dogs’ hearts yearn for eternity, too, and that this hopefulness in the hearts of all living things will have that beautiful light that we saw in the train lights on Hachi’s last night, in Hachi’s eyes when he opened then in his new eternal life — that was the bright, bright light from which his dear friend appeared, and they were reunited in Love. This story of Hachi is one of the most spiritual, emotional, and rewarding experiences of my whole life. I am thankful for the people who have transitioned this story forward so I could be a part of it.

This article is very amazing. I have already watched ‘Hachi-a dog’s tale’ many times. Whenever i watch it , i feel like crying so much. The dog’s eyes and the time he has to wait for his master makes my heart pound. The love depicted in the dog’s faithfulness for his master is awesome and really appreciable. I hope everyone get someone so faithful and loving just like Hachi was.

After watching the movie and many tears later, I had thought of this idea. Would it be wonderful to create a communication system between us and dogs, and for the matter, cats. After all, these are our domestic four legers. When they are gone, we know the loss. Do they know, for if not, communication is needed by professionals in this field. Dog and cat whisperers come to mind.

People I know who saw both films said that the original film (Japanese version) is much more heavier and touching than the US version. Great true to life story for a dog. Akita dogs are normally sweet and more loyal to their masters compare to othe families of dogs. It’s in their genes. That’s why it’s against the law in Japan to cross-breed akita dogs to a different family of dogs. They want to maintain that behavior of akita dogs.

I have seen this movie several times & every time I still cry. I hate that he stays at the train station & that his family doesn’t try harder to make him stay. I realize its a different culture & so I try to come to terms with it. The fact that he is so loyal to his owner is what is so beautiful. I truly hope they are now reunited because Hachi deserves this!! Btw, your dog Varga is soooo beautiful. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Huskies. My sister’s Husky, Freyja lived til she was 15. I always say she is my first niece. I loved her so much & every once in while I would stop over my sisters to visit her dog (& my sistet too Lol) Or if my sister came over without her dog I would ask “why didn’t you bring Freyja??” There is no doubt in my mind your dog brought you so much joy. Huskies are very special dogs!!

I agree, the story about Hachi is so sad but yet so beautiful. Awwww, Freyja sounds like a great dog! I have had huskies all my life and for me huskies are the best dogs. 🙂 We now have a new husky called Frost who is seven months. She is soooo cute!

Maria, thank you so much for sharing the story of Hachiko….all I can say is: Wow.
Like you I cried. I am a dog lover just like you. I had dogs all my life. They are truly amazing. They are the only creature in this world that love unconditionally and willing give their lives for the one they love or even the family. They clearly have emotions like we do and they are the only ones in this world to love like Jesus, unconditional and faithful. Hachiko was such a lucky dog for dogs in America and other places are often abused and thrown away like today’s trash. To me… any dog should be treated better than we treat ourselves. There is nothing like the love of a dog, they are truly a gift from God

I’m a bit of a movie snob, and was somewhat dubious when a friend put this one on. Boy, was I in for a surprise. What a moving, beautiful, life-affirming film. I wasn’t at all familiar with the story of this amazing dog, but it’s a story I’ll never forget. A terrific rendition of the story.

This movie reminds me of white calf we had. he was supposed to go some another place but he had always returned in the midnight several times. finally we again kept him. he was like whitest thing. I liked that innocent calf he even leaved his mother(cow) to stay with us. it was the famous story in neighbourhood 15 yrs ago.

Thank you so much for the detail information on Hachiko. I visited this place on Oct 17, 2017. The story of Akita dog, the movies, the photographs makes one aware the intensity of faithfulness and loyalty!